This means new approaches to funding to expand capacity at university or VET level and ensure the chances of success for disadvantaged students.
Another key principle of the report is better integration between vocational and university education.
On the international front, the report recommends increasing diversity in international student recruitment and clearer alignment on skills requirements.
Minister for Education Jason Clare said: “Under the agreement, over the next few years we will need 80 per cent of our workforce to not only complete high school but also TAFE or university.
“The agreement will help drive this change. This will help us build a better and fairer education system where no one is hindered and no one is left behind.”
The report acknowledges the important position of international students, contributing a fifth of total university funding.
However, this is a concern on both the demand side (demand fluctuations) and the supply side (quality and integrity issues).
It suggests that international students, particularly those seeking an immigration route, should focus more on “courses relevant to Australian skills shortages and courses studied in regional locations”.
This is “in line with the objectives of the Australian Government’s Migration Strategy for a better targeted system”.
The continuing reputation of Australian education for international students has prompted regulator TEQSA to take an “evidence-based approach” to ensure providers have appropriate risk management strategies for international education on issues including demand volatility, course concentration and quality management. It is recommended. Student Experience, Access to and Availability of Affordable Housing”.
It also calls for “diversifying markets to avoid over-reliance on a small number of countries.”
Jenny Dodd, CEO of Tafe Directors Australia, said the report recognizes the central role of Skills and Further Education (TAFE) in achieving Australia's skills targets and the great opportunity to enhance its contribution, particularly to equity groups. .
“This is groundbreaking work that sets out a clear path to creating a seamless higher education sector with greater collaboration and integration between universities and TAFEs,” she said.
“This report recognizes the enormous potential for TAFE, which has built strong links with students and industry, working with universities to deliver significantly larger numbers of post-secondary students.”
The report's recommendations, which Minister Clare said the government will now consider, come shortly after Australia's immigration strategy is published in December 2023.